Goal: Redraft cruel amendment that calls for the placement of thousands of stray animals in a ‘natural park,’ leading to their neglect and starvation

The people of Turkey fear a new amendment to animal protection law, deemed the ‘murder law’ by animal activists, will lead to the mistreatment and eventual anguishing death of thousands of stray animals. This amendment calls for the placement of stray animals in a ‘natural park,’ located on the outskirts of the city, until they are adopted. It is a major concern of the public that this amendment solely creates an environment that will cater to the government’s inclination to rid the country of stray animals.

This amendment will also dictate the number of pets allowed in a household and recommend the termination of so-called ‘dangerous breeds.’ The Ministry of Forest and Water Management, the government ministry office responsible for the environmental and forestry related affairs in Turkey, will decide, using certain factors including the heath and safety of people or other animals, the environment, and the needs of the breed. Some residents fear they will be forced to give up their own cherished pet.

Further fueling the adverse reactions to the proposed amendment is Turkey’s sordid past with stray dogs. Dating back to 1910, in an attempt to modernize Istanbul, over 40,000 stray dogs were gathered and shipped out to an uninhabited island. Residents could hear their howling for months until they eventually starved to death. In modern times, according to animal rights activists, thousands of stray dogs are fed poisoned meat in an attempt to keep their population down. Even as recently as 2011, more than 100 dogs were rounded up and brought to the forest by Municipal officials and later poisoned. Officials think nothing of the lives of these stray animals, making it difficult to trust that, with this new amendment, the government has their best interest in mind.

In Turkey, and especially Istanbul, people have formed a community with the stray animals, assimilating them into their every day life. It is quite common for store or restaurant owners to feed and care for multiple strays at a time–the locals will often share food scraps or leave out bowls of milk.

These ‘natural parks’ are allegedly an alternative placement for stray dogs and cats when shelters are full. Officials maintain the animals will be well-cared for, but the citizens of Turkey do not believe it. Some even going as far as to say these ‘natural parks’ will end up resembling ‘concentration camps.’ Please sign the petition to stop the ‘murder law’ from going into effect.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear President Abdullah Gül,

The proposed amendment to transfer stray animals to ‘natural parks’ as an alternate option when shelters are full is in no way beneficial. The people of Turkey have created such a bond with these animals; they no longer see them as a nuisance. Turkey’s corrupt past with stray animals has led the public to distrust the government’s claim that this amendment will protect and bring no harm to these animals.

The new amendment to animal protection law is unwarranted and will not serve to protect any animals. The people of Turkey have taken to caring for these stray animals as if they are their own. It is inhumane and, despite what the Ministries are claiming, it is incomprehensible to treat any animal as if they are garbage and simply discard them somewhere out of the way. Please reevaluate the amendment and implement changes to accurately safeguard both stray animals and the animals that are lucky enough to already have a loving home.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: fotopedia.com

Sign the Petition

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Address

Street AddressCityState / Province / RegionZIP / Postal CodeCountry

Share on Facebook

Only your name will be displayed. By signing, you accept our terms and may receive updates on this and related causes.

And the reason that the streets of Istanbul are full of stray dogs is that Muslims do not believe in neutering and spaying, it is a cultural thing and until this issue is addressed then the situation will not improve. Education is the only answer. Until that time dogs will suffer and through no fault of their own. Turkey wants to join the EU – they will not be welcomed until they change their attitude to animals and they way they are treated.

There are too many petitions regarding the rape of animals in Turkey. This is just a way for these rapes to continue “under the radar”. Turkey is a horrific place to live – especially if you are a stray animal. The men who rape these defenceless animals are barbarians.

I wonder what ALLAH thinks of his people who maim, torture, starve, poison,have sex with and MURDER these beautiful innocent creatures who want nothing more than to LIVE in PEACE, a warm bed, a full tummy and someone to LOVE. If these ideas are so alien to you people then YOU have NO PLACE in a civilized WORLD and YOU will be treated accordingly.

WORLDWIDE BAN ON STRAYS AND THE OVERPOPULATION BY ILLEGALIZING PUPPY MILLS AND STORE/MASS/ AND P E D I G R E E – BREEDS and THE INTERNET SALE IS NECESSARY BY GETTING ALL MUTTS/STRAYS AND FAMILY DOGS AND CATS NEUTURED/SPAYED TO STOP THESE NEVERENDING PROBLEMS.

HOW LONG UNACTING AUTHORITIES NEED FOR ETHICAL HUMANELY DESICIONS AND LAWS ?
ONLY SHELTER-PETS AVAILABLE SHOULD BE THE ANSWER FOR ENDING THESE DESASTERS.
People need to vote unacting authorities and officials acting irresponsibly to futuregenerations out of occupations NOW AND FOR ALL!